Chairman confident Aidy will stay

Watford Chairman Graham Simpson is confident that win or lose at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, Aidy Boothroyd will remain as Watford boss.

Boothroyd has had his nave linked with the managerial vacancies at Sunderland, Charlton and Middlesbrough, and has earned rave reviews after taking Watford to the Championship play-off final in only his first full season in charge.

Simpson, who received widespread criticism after axing the popular Ray Lewington and replacing him with 34-year-old Boothroyd told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: 'He wants to build something at Watford,” said Simpson. “He is an exceptional man and recently signed a four-and-a-half-year contract. Adrian is a man of his word.

“I do not believe he will suddenly move elsewhere. He needs the experience and he needs to learn, said the Hornets chairman. 'We are a very progressive club and are building on and off the field. There is no reason why Watford cannot grow and grow,” explained Simpson.

Looking ahead towards Sunday’s date with destiny at the Millennium Stadium against Leeds United, Simpson, a self-made millionaire, believes that free-spending Leeds United, who were in the Premiership two years ago, are favourites to win the match.

"Leeds' wage bill is three times above us. We are a very young team punching above its weight,” said the chairman. "But we have a very good manager and are very focused," added Simpson.